Thursday, January 29, 2009

1 month down...

So our first month of hardcore training is winding down with a recovery week. The workouts are shorter and less intense, and I'm getting some much needed rest so I'm ready for next week. I just hope the weather warms up so running and biking outside is bearable.

Last week Leighton, my team captain, had our team over to her house, aka The Ministry of Fun. We ate lots of delicious pasta and caeser salad, heard Sean's story of wearing plastic bags under his pants to try and stay warm (the internet said it was a good idea), and laughed our asses off while playing catch phrase until 11pm. Although our whole team couldn't make it, its was a great opportunity to start to get to know everyone and ask questions and share stories about training, fundraising and the actual race itself. I can't wait for the next get-together next month!

As for my fundraising, I'm more than halfway to my goal!!! A HUGE THANKS to everyone that has already donated. I was a little worried about raising the money, but everyone has been so supportive and generous, and has made this a lot easier than I had anticipated. Just a reminder that if you're interested in buying raffle tickets, let me know so I can send you the form. The forms must be received by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by March 2nd in order to receive your ticket(s).

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Brrr...Its cold outside!

But that doesn't stop us from training. Last Saturday we had our first group bike ride, and let me tell you, it wasn't too warm out. I couldn't feel my toes for the entire ride. But I made it through and our fellow Team in Training marathoners were out on the trail too, so we cheered each other on as we passed.

Following the bike ride was the Honored Teammate Picnic. The honored teammates are people that are fighting cancer or that have battled it and are in remission. The picnic was very inspirational and a great reminder of why we're out there training everyday. Several people told their stories and I'm pretty sure at least half the room had tears in their eyes. I'll admit, I was one of those people, especially after hearing Cris's and Denise's stories. They are both about my age and were diagnosed with cancer not too long ago. They are both currently in remission and its truly an inspiration to see them train along side us. It was a great reminder that not only are we doing this to accomplish personal goals, but also to help save the lives of people just like us!

This weekend is bound to be madness and mayhem with everyone coming into town for Inauguration. I just might have to hit the cold hard streets to run since the area is practically shutting down for all the festivities.

In fundraising news, I'm about halfway to my fundraising goal! THANK YOU!!! I couldn't imagine this amount of support and generosity from everyone. As a Team in Training participant, the Society is giving us the opportunity to sell raffle tickets for the Leukemia Ball, their annual black tie event. The raffle ticket gives you the chance to win either a Mercedes CLK350 Cabriolet or a Mercedes GLK350. Tickets are $100 each and only 6000 have been printed. So if you buy 1 ticket, you have a 1 in 3000 chance of winning. Don't worry, you don't have to be at the ball to win. One of last year's winners lived in Guam! because Mercedes donates both cars, 100% of the proceeds goes to the Society. Let me know if you're interested in buying a raffle ticket, and I can send you the form. Just note that due to DC Lottery Board regulations, raffle tickets are not tax deductible.

If a raffle ticket isn't for you, you can still make tax deductible donations through my website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/txtri09/ksax

Thanks for stopping by and checking in!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Two-a Days!?!?

That's right! Yesterday's workouts consisted of swimming and running. Since I had plans to go see Wake women's basketball at Maryland after work, I needed to get my workout in before work. So my alarm clock started beeping at me at 4:15am and I rolled out of bed to head to the pool. I arrived at 4:55am, thinking the pool opened at 5am. Not the case :o( So I headed to the gym and completed my 45 minute run, and then went back to the pool for my 30 minute swim. So while all of you slackers, I mean sane people ;o), were sleeping, I was getting my sweat on!

In other exciting triathlon training news...

I should have a fresh pair of kicks waiting for me when I get home today. (Don't be alarmed by the sissy blue color in the picture. I went with the black and gray pair!) I'll be testing them out this weekend!

I also learned today that I am the top fundraiser out of all the other Capital of Texas Triathlon participants with over $2000!! So I want to give a huge shout out to everyone that has contributed to the cause. I wouldn't be there without you! And I may have considered hitting the snooze button a few times yesterday morning had I not had such an outpouring of support!

Tomorrow we have a group bike ride, weather permitting, and the Honored Teammate Picnic. This is a chance for everyone to meet and hear from cancer fighters and survivors, some of which are training alongside us. Its bound to be an emotional and inspirational morning, and I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks again for your continued support! Keep spreading the word on my behalf and come back soon! Until next time... http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/txtri09/ksax

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Happy New Year!!

I hope everyone had a happy holidays and a fun and safe new years!

Training is really kicking into high gear now that its January. Yesterday we met at 8am for a very informative run clinic before heading out on a 40 minute run. It sounds dreadful, but once we got running and everyone started chatting, the time flew by. Upon our return, we browsed the store (Potomac River Running, www.potomacriverrunning.com) and I hopped on the treadmill so they could analyze my gait and fit me for the right running shoes. I figure its about time I get a new pair of kicks since the ones I've been wearing are over 3 years old and the air has deflated out of the heel...which is probably why they squeak! Since Conte's bike shop is conveniently connected to Potomac River Running, they gave us a quick bike clinic. They have a triathlon bike that costs $15,000!!! That's almost as much as the car I just bought! I'll be tackling the triathlon on my trusty ol' hybrid bike, which they tell me is doable.

My fundraising is going well, thanks in part to all you generous people! I'm well on my way to reaching my goal of $5000. If you know of anyone that would like to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, please pass my website along to them.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/txtri09/ksax